There is no specific answer to this question. Most doctors want you to be TTC for a year before they start researching infertility issues. *I think* Then there’s time to test/diagnose. There’s different levels of treatment depending on what the issues may be. Very broadly they are hormones to aid in ovulation, IUI (pump up your hormones – then use turkey baster), and IVF (petri dish method).

I know of someone who just did her first IVF and she has been TTC for 5-6 years. Of course I’m sure there are others who move to IVF much earlier.

From what i understand, it really depends on what the problem is. In vitro is mainly for getting the sperm to the egg (like, a blocked fallopian tube could require this) but there could be lots of other issues going on, like you don’t produce enough eggs (in which you’d take clomid and other hormones). If you have an implantation issue, in vitro could help

My doctor told me (i have endometriosis, though, and i’ve already had my fallopian tubes checked for scar tissue blockage), that our course of action will be 6 months of TTC, a few months on clomid, and then move to IVF or mini IVF (not sure the difference). In reality, DH and I said we’d give it 3 years before plunking down 10 grand on IVF.

Have you seen a reproductive endocrinologist? There’s some good information here: http://haveababy.com/ They handed me a 40 page packet when i walked in, haha. LOTS of good info, but it was overwhelming because we aren’t TTC so i set it aside.

I would highly recommend charting which will help diagnose any potential fertility issues on your part. IVF is def. a last ditch shot kind of deal, and the older you get the less likely it is to work.

NYU has one of the best IVF programs, and this is their success rate.

“In a single cycle of IVF, about 64 percent of 30-year-old women wound up with a child. At 35, 47 percent were successful; at 40, only 28 percent; at 43, only 13 percent; and at 44 and over, it’s 2 percent.” So, even if you’re only 30 – you only have a 64% chance of it working at the BEST program…

IVF is a last resort option; one I don’t personally support or agree with for several reasons, however, there are a lot of other steps before you get to IVF. If you do start to chart early however, it could potentially save you a lot of heartache and frustration.

In the meantime, I hear stress affects TTC, so don’t worry about worst case scenario… just enjoy this time leading up to TTC and start talking to your doctor about coming off your hormonal BC if you’re on it. It can take anywhere from 1-12+ months for your cycle to normalize… If you chart you can also use that as a preventative to conception as well.

As the other girls have said, there are a ton of factors that go into deciding the course of treatment. Most won’t “treat” you unless you’ve been trying for a year or have some sort of issue. I have PCOS, so after a few months of TTC, my doctor put me on medication to induce ovulation. I’m currently on my 3rd round. This tends to be the first course of treatment, if there’s even anything to treat. There are many steps between having trouble TTC and in vitro and each woman’s case is different.

My suggestion would be talking to your doctor before you start TTC to make sure everything is a-ok.

If you are under 35 and healthy you have to be actively TTC for a year (It is 6 months if you are over 35) before most reproductive endocrinologists will see you. If you have a history of irregular cycles or something like endo they will see you sooner.

That being said there are a lot of steps you have to take before you get to IVF. Testing needs to be done on both you and your DH. If your tubes are not blocked and things look clear, they will usually start you on oral medications. Usually they try that for about 6 months, depending on your doctor. After that you move to IUI and if that doesn’t work then go on to IVF.

Infertility is a disease and these treatments are rough. I am going through them right now. It is not something to take lightly. If you have to go through them (and I hope you don’t!) you have to be prepared mentally and physically. The hormones are rough, especially if you have to do IUI or IVF. With those you will have daily injections, sometimes multiple injections in one day.

Since you aren’t TTC yet I would definitely follow KLP’s advice and start charting now. I would also get the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. That way you will be prepared for when you do start.

I have been TTC for about 10-11 months now. I was diagnosed with PCOS and I am 32, so my obgyn sent me to a specialist after only 6 months. It was just very obvious that I did not ovulate.

I am currently using clomid, which worked for me once so far (but I miscarried). They will try clomid again next cycle. IVF is so far away and not even being considered at this point. There are many many things to try first.

Oh, and sweetkate is right….the treatments are very tough to go through…both emotionally and physically. You would be horrified if I posted pictures of my elbows right now! But in all seriousness, it has been by far the toughest couple of months I’ve been through in my life.

@ams12–I had a couple of friends who needed fertility help (both in their mid-30s) and they tried other means prior to IUI and IVF. They ended up trying for a few years before finally getting pregnat (one with IUI and one with IVF).